Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin secured his first MotoGP podium for Aprilia at the Brazilian Grand Prix, leading Neil Hodgson to issue a ‘mismanaged’ verdict on the Spaniard amid recent reports that suggest he has already signed with Yamaha for 2027.
Jorge Martin stood on the Grand Prix podium at a MotoGP race weekend for the first time since he won the title at Valencia in 2024, and it was one of the most heart-warming sights of the season so far.
The Spaniard has endured nothing short of an injury nightmare over the last 12 months. Due to three separate and equally serious injuries last season, Martin was unable to put up a serious defence of his title while teammate Marco Bezzecchi surpassed expectations for Aprilia.
Marco Bezzecchi on top after two rounds 👀 Will he still be at the top by the end of the season, though? 🤔
Let us know in the comments below!
It was Bezzecchi who took the plaudits for another victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with Martin’s P2 securing a first one-two for Aprilia in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
However, Martin’s future plans left a sour taste in the mouths of those in attendance at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna. It has been reported that he will be joining Yamaha in 2027, which would see him depart from the team at the top of the pecking order to the bottom.
Neil Hodgson issues ‘mismanaged’ verdict on Jorge Martin after claiming Brazilian GP podium
During TNT Sports’ coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix in Goiania, former MotoGP rider Neil Hodgson noted Martin’s rumoured move to Yamaha machinery for the 2027 premier class campaign following his first podium in Aprilia colours.
Speaking to co-commentator Gavin Emmett, the 52-year-old said, “If he has signed for Yamaha, it just feels like a slow clap, doesn’t it? As it stands, you look at where Yamaha are, he’s arguably jumping off the best bike to the worst.”
Emmett then fired back, “He’s shot himself in the foot with that,” before Hodgson issued a damning verdict on Martin’s decision to depart from Noale in favour of Iwata.
He concluded, “Yes, he has. I think he’s been mismanaged, to be honest.”
You’re a MotoGP team boss and you can either sign Marco Bezzecchi or Jorge Martin
Who would you go for?
The Spaniard’s agent, Alberto Valera, has reportedly admitted in private that Martin’s decision to sign for Yamaha was due to the salary that the Japanese constructor could offer him.
It’s no secret that Yamaha are one of the best brands on the grid when it comes to financial prowess, but their ultimate competitiveness remains in question.
- READ MORE: Jorge Martin claims he’s now ‘better’ than his title-winning MotoGP season after Brazilian GP podium
Despite a strong result in the Sprint race, Yamaha floundered again at the Brazilian GP
Yamaha’s inferiority to every other brand on the MotoGP grid was on display yet again during the Brazilian Grand Prix, despite some encouraging results from their riders earlier on in the weekend.
Fabio Quartararo secured a very strong P6 in the Sprint for the Japanese constructor, but was unable to replicate his feat in the longer format race. Starting from fourth on the grid, the Frenchman fell down to P16 at the chequered flag.
Alex Rins proved to be Yamaha’s flag-bearer in the Grand Prix, but even he could only muster P14.
Pramac’s Toprak Razgatlioglu impressed as he claimed a spot in Q2 on Saturday, but he too was swallowed by the field as the lights went out on Sunday afternoon.
He took the chequered flag in P17, while teammate Jack Miller crashed out of the race during its opening stages.
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